Edge-Lit Light Guide Panel

ABSTRACT

An edge-lit light guide panel includes a gripper and one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned within the gripper. The edge-lit light guide panel further includes a light guide having a narrow edge positioned within the gripper. The narrow edge is positioned proximal to the one or more LEDs. The light guide is to receive light from the one or more LEDs through the narrow edge and to emit a portion of the light through at least one broad side of the light guide.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional of and claims priority to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/258,874, filed Apr. 22, 2014, and titled“Edge-Lit Light Fixture,” which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. Section119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/814,644, filed Apr.22, 2013, and titled “EDGE-LIT LIGHT FIXTURE,” the entire content ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to lighting solutions, and moreparticularly to edge-lit light fixtures.

BACKGROUND

An edge-lit luminaire generally has an edge-lit light guide (orsometimes referred to as waveguide or a light emitting panel).Typically, light from one or more light sources (e.g., one or more lightemitting diodes (LEDs)) enters the light guide through a narrowedge/side of the light guide. For example, the light sources may bepositioned close to the narrow edge of the light guide. A portion of thelight that enters the light guide is typically emitted through at leastone broad side of the light guide.

In some situations, a single edge-lit luminaire may not be able toprovide a desired level of illumination. For example, multiple edge-litor other kinds of luminaires may be needed to provide adequateillumination of an area. In such cases, multiple luminaires may need tobe installed to provide the desired level of illumination. However,installing multiple standalone luminaires may not be practical in allsituations. For example, space may not be available to accommodateinstallation of multiple standalone luminaires. Further, installation ofmultiple standalone luminaires may be relatively expensive and timeconsuming.

Accordingly, in some situations, a single edge-lit fixture that includesmultiple light guides may provide a desired level of illumination at areduced cost as compared to multiple edge-lit light fixtures. Forexample, such a single edge-lit light fixture may be easier to install,resulting in cost savings.

SUMMARY

In general, the present disclosure relates to edge-lit light fixtures.In an example embodiment, an edge-lit light fixture includes a firstedge-lit light guide panel that has a first light guide. The edge-litlight fixture also includes a second edge-lit light guide panel that hasa second light guide. The edge-lit light fixture further includes acenter spine that has a protrusion. The first edge-lit light guide paneland the second edge-lit light guide panel are positioned on oppositesides of the protrusion. The protrusion separates a narrow edge of thefirst light guide from a narrow edge of the second light guide. Aportion of the protrusion is positioned below the first light guide andthe second light guide.

In another example embodiment, an edge-lit light guide panel includes agripper and one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned withinthe gripper. The edge-lit light guide panel also includes a light guidehaving a narrow edge positioned within the gripper. The narrow edge ispositioned proximal to the one or more LEDs. The light guide receiveslight from the one or more LEDs through the narrow edge and emits aportion of the light through at least one broad side of the light guide.

In another example embodiment, a gripper for holding a light guideincludes a first segment configured to dissipate heat. The gripper alsoincludes a second segment attached to the first segment. The firstsegment and the second segment are interlocked with each other. Thefirst segment and the segment define a space for a portion of a lightguide and light emitting diodes (LEDs) to be disposed therein. The firstsegment and the second segment are extruded pieces.

These and other aspects, objects, features, and embodiments will beapparent from the following description and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an edge-lit light fixture that has multiple edge-litlight guide panels according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 2A illustrates an edge-lit light fixture that has multiple edge-litlight guide panels according to another example embodiment;

FIG. 2B illustrates an edge-lit light fixture that has multiple edge-litlight guide panels according to another example embodiment;

FIG. 3A illustrates an edge-lit light guide panel according to anexample embodiment;

FIG. 3B illustrates an edge-lit light guide panel according to anotherexample embodiment;

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate side views of a gripper holding a light guideaccording to an example embodiment;

FIG. 4C illustrates a side view of a gripper holding a light guideaccording to another example embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates an edge-lit light guide panel according to anotherexample embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates a close view of a gripper according to an exampleembodiment;

7A illustrates a center spine according to an example embodiment;

FIGS. 7B and 7C illustrate different views of a center spine accordingto another example embodiment;

FIG. 8 illustrates a center spine according to another exampleembodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates an edge-lit light fixture including a center spineaccording to an example embodiment;

FIG. 10 illustrates an edge-lit light fixture including a center spineaccording to an example embodiment;

FIG. 11A illustrates an end cap of an edge-lit light fixture accordingto an example embodiment;

FIG. 11B illustrates an end cap of an edge-lit light fixture accordingto another example embodiment;

FIG. 12 illustrates a joiner end cap of an edge-lit light fixtureaccording to an example embodiment; and

FIG. 13 illustrates an edge-lit light fixture according to anotherexample embodiment.

The drawings illustrate only example embodiments and are therefore notto be considered limiting in scope. The elements and features shown inthe drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placedupon clearly illustrating the principles of the example embodiments.Additionally, certain dimensions or placements may be exaggerated tohelp visually convey such principles. In the drawings, referencenumerals designate like or corresponding, but not necessarily identical,elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

In the following paragraphs, example embodiments will be described infurther detail with reference to the figures. In the description, wellknown components, methods, and/or processing techniques are omitted orbriefly described. Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of theembodiments is not to suggest that all embodiments must include thereferenced feature(s).

Turning now to the figures, example embodiments are described. FIG. 1illustrates an edge-lit light fixture 100 that has multiple edge-litlight guide panels according to an example embodiment. The edge-litlight fixture 100 may be configured to provide illumination of an areaaround the edge-lit light fixture 100. In an example embodiment, theedge-lit light fixture 100 may be suspended from a structure such as aceiling structure or attached directly to the ceiling. The edge-litlight fixture 100 includes a first edge-lit light guide panel 102, asecond edge-lit light guide panel 104, and a center spine 106. The firstedge-lit light guide panel 102 and the second edge-lit light guide panel104, which are also referred to as light engines, may each emit light onone or both broad sides.

To illustrate, the first edge-lit light guide panel 102 includes a lightguide (described below) and a gripper 108 that holds the light guide.Similarly, the second edge-lit light guide panel 104 includes anotherlight guide and a gripper 110 that holds the light guide. One or morelight emitting diodes (LEDs) (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB) with anumber of LEDs disposed thereon) or another light source may bepositioned within each gripper 108, 110.

In some example embodiments, the center spine 106 includes a cavity asdescribed below. For example, a power source (e.g., an LED driver) maybe positioned in the cavity of the center spine 106. Alternatively, thepower source may be positioned away from the edge-lit light fixture 100,and electrical wires from the remote power source may be routed throughthe center spine 106 to provide power to the LEDs that are positionedwithin each gripper 108, 110. In some example embodiments, the centerspine 106 may also provide structural rigidity to the edge-lit lightfixture 100. The center spine 106 may also have an overall aestheticallypleasing shape and appearance.

In some example embodiments, the center spine 106 includes a protrusion112 that includes a ledge on each side of the protrusion to support arespective edge-lit light guide panel 102 or 104. The first edge-litlight guide panel 102 and the second edge-lit light guide panel 104 arepositioned on opposite sides of the protrusion 112. In particular, aportion of the respective light guide of the edge-lit light guide panels102, 104 may be positioned on a respective ledge of the protrusion 112.For example, the protrusion 112 may have an arrow-shaped profile, andsides of the arrow head may serve as ledges. Alternatively, theprotrusion 112 may have another shape that is, for example,aesthetically pleasing. In some example embodiments, the protrusion 112may glow and/or may emit light.

In some example embodiments, the edge-lit light fixture 100 alsoincludes end caps 114, 116. The end caps 114, 116 extend between thegrippers 108, 110 on opposite sides of the edge-lit light fixture 100.For example, the end caps 114, 116 may be attached to the grippers 108,110 and to the center spine 106. The end caps 114, 116 may also hide oneor more electrical wires from view. For example, electrical wires routedbetween the center spine 106 and the LEDs that are within each gripper108, 110 may pass through the end caps 114, 116. In some exampleembodiments, the end caps 114, 116 may serve as structures for attachingcables that are used to suspend the edge-lit light fixture 100 from aceiling.

In some example embodiments, the center spine 106, the grippers 108,110, and the end caps 114, 116 may be made from aluminum or anothermetal. For example, the center spine 106, the grippers 108, 110, and theend caps 114, 116 may be extruded pieces. In some example embodiments,the grippers 108, 110, and the end caps 114, 116 may be painted. Forexample, the grippers 108 and 110 may be painted to have a reflectivecolor.

FIG. 2A illustrates an edge-lit light fixture 200 that has multipleedge-lit light guide panels according to an example embodiment. In anexample embodiment, the edge-lit light fixture 200 corresponds to theedge-lit light fixture 100 of FIG. 1 without the end cap 114 shown inFIG. 1. The edge-lit light fixture 200 may be suspended from a ceilingor a similar structure. As shown in FIG. 2A, the edge-lit light fixture200 includes a first edge-lit light guide panel 202 and a secondedge-lit light guide panel 204. The first edge-lit light guide panel 202includes a light guide 220 and a gripper 208. The second edge-lit lightguide panel 204 includes a light guide 222 and a gripper 210. The firstedge-lit light guide panel 202 and the second edge-lit light guide panel204 are also referred to as light engines. As shown in FIG. 2A, aportion of the light guide 220 is positioned within the gripper 208, anda portion of the light guide 222 is positioned within the gripper 210.LEDs that are positioned within the grippers 208, 210 may emit lightinto the light guides 220, 222, and a portion of the light that entersthe light guides 220, 222 may be emitted out through one or both broadsides of the light guides 220, 222.

The edge-lit light fixture 200 also includes a center spine 206. Thecenter spine 206 includes an upper segment 214 that has a cavity 218.For example, one or more drivers such as LED drivers may be positionedin the cavity 218 to provide power to one or more LEDs that arepositioned within the grippers 208, 210. For example, the grippers 208,210 may correspond to the grippers 108, 110 of FIG. 1, respectively. Insome alternative embodiments, one or more drivers may be positioned awayfrom the edge-lit light fixture 200 and may provide power to the LEDs,for example, using wires that extend through the center spine 212 and/orthrough end caps such as an end cap 216. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, thelight guides 220, 222 may be positioned on a protrusion 212 of thecenter spine 206. The first edge-lit light guide panel 202 and thesecond edge-lit light guide panel 204 are positioned on opposite sidesof the protrusion 212. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the protrusion 212separates a narrow edge 224 of the first light guide 220 from a narrowedge 226 of the second light guide 222. A portion (i.e., arrow headportion) of the protrusion 212 is positioned below the first light guide220 and the second light guide 222. For example, the protrusion 212 mayprovide support to the light guides 220, 222. To illustrate, a portionof the first light guide 220 proximal to the narrow edge of the firstlight guide 220 may be positioned on a ledge defined by a side of thearrow head portion of the protrusion 212, and a portion of the secondlight guide 222 proximal to the narrow edge of the second light guide222 may be positioned on another ledge defined by another side of thearrow head portion of the protrusion 212. In some example embodiments,protrusion 212 may be formed integrally with the upper segment 214. Insome alternative embodiments, the protrusion 212 may be formedseparately and attached to the upper segment 214, for example, using oneor more fasteners.

In some example embodiments, the center spine 206, the grippers 208,210, and the end cap 216 may be made from the same or similar materialand in the same manner as the center spine 106, the grippers 108, 110,and the end caps 114, 116 of FIG. 1. The light guides 220, 222 may bemade from acrylic or another similar material.

FIG. 2B illustrates an edge-lit light fixture 230 that has multipleedge-lit light guide panels according to an example embodiment. In anexample embodiment, the edge-lit light fixture 230 may be recessed intoa structure such as a ceiling. As shown in FIG. 2B, the edge-lit lightfixture 230 includes a first edge-lit light guide panel 232 and a secondedge-lit light guide panel 234. The first edge-lit light guide panel 232includes a light guide 250 and a gripper 238. The second edge-lit lightguide panel 234 includes a light guide 252 and a gripper 240. The firstedge-lit light guide panel 232 and the second edge-lit light guide panel232 are also referred to as light engines. As shown in FIG. 2B, aportion of the light guide 250 is positioned within the gripper 238, anda portion of the light guide 252 is positioned within the gripper 240.

The edge-lit light fixture 230 also includes a center spine 236. Thecenter spine 236 includes an upper segment 244 that has a cavity 248.For example, one or more drivers such as LED drivers may be positionedin the cavity 248 to provide power to LEDs that are positioned withinthe grippers 238, 240. The LEDs may emit light into the light guides250, 252, and a portion of the light that enters the light guides 250,252 may be emitted out through one or both broad sides of the lightguides 250, 252.

In some alternative embodiments, one or more drivers may be positionedaway from the edge-lit light fixture 230 and may provide power to theLEDs, for example, using wires that extend through the center spine 236and/or through end caps such as an end cap 246. As illustrated in FIG.2B, the light guides 250, 252 may be positioned on a protrusion 242 ofthe center spine 236. The first edge-lit light guide panel 232 and thesecond edge-lit light guide panel 234 are positioned on opposite sidesof the protrusion 242. As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the protrusion 242separates a narrow edge of the first light guide 250 from a narrow edgeof the second light guide 252. A portion (i.e., arrow head portion) ofthe protrusion 242 is positioned below the first light guide 250 and thesecond light guide 252. For example, the protrusion 242 may providesupport to the light guides 250, 252. To illustrate, a portion of thefirst light guide 250 proximal to the narrow edge of the first lightguide 250 may be positioned on a ledge defined by a side of the arrowhead portion of the protrusion 242, and a portion of the second lightguide 252 proximal to the narrow edge of the second light guide 252 maybe positioned on another ledge defined by another side of the arrow headportion of the protrusion 242. In some example embodiments, theprotrusion 242 may be formed separately and attached to the uppersegment 244, for example, using one or more fasteners. Alternatively,the protrusion 242 and the upper segment 214 may be formed integrally asa single piece.

In some example embodiments, the center spine 236, the grippers 238,240, and the end cap 246 may be made from the same or similar materialand in the same manner as the center spine 106, the grippers 108, 110,and the end caps 114, 116 of FIG. 1. The light guides 250, 252 may bemade from acrylic or another similar material.

FIG. 3A illustrates an edge-lit light guide panel 300 according to anexample embodiment. In some example embodiments, the edge-lit lightguide panel 300 may be used with a recessed edge-lit light fixture suchas the edge-lit lighting fixture 230 of FIG. 2B. For example, theedge-lit light guide panel 300 may be used as the first edge-lit lightguide panel 232 and the second edge-lit light guide panel 234 of theedge-lit lighting fixture 230 of FIG. 2B. The edge-lit light guide panel300 includes a gripper 302 and a light guide 304. The gripper 302 holdsthe light guide 304 such that a light receiving edge of the light guide304 is positioned proximal to one or more LEDs 306 that are positionedwithin the gripper 302. Light from the one or more LEDs 306 may enterthe light guide 304 and may be emitted out on one or both broad sides ofthe light guide 304. In an example embodiment, the light guide 304 ismade from acrylic. For example, the longest dimension of the light guide304 along a narrow edge of the light guide 304 may be 1 foot, 2 feet, or4 feet. Alternatively, the light guide 304 may have other dimensionswith departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some exampleembodiments, the gripper 302 may be made from aluminum or another metalusing a method such as extrusion.

FIG. 3B illustrates an edge-lit light guide panel 310 according toanother example embodiment. In some example embodiments, the edge-litlight guide panel 310 may be used with a recessed edge-lit light fixturesuch as the edge-lit lighting fixture 230 of FIG. 2B. For example, theedge-lit light guide panel 310 may be used as the first edge-lit lightguide panel 232 and the second edge-lit light guide panel 234 of theedge-lit lighting fixture 230 of FIG. 2B. The edge-lit light guide panel310 includes a gripper 312 and the light guide 304, which may be madefrom acrylic. The gripper 312 holds the light guide 304 such that alight receiving edge of the light guide 304 is positioned proximal toone or more LEDs 316 that are positioned within the gripper 312. Lightfrom the one or more LEDs 316 may enter the light guide 304 and may beemitted out on one or both broad sides of the light guide 304. In someexample embodiments, the gripper 312 may be made from aluminum oranother metal using a method such as extrusion.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate side views of a gripper 400 holding a lightguide 420 according to example embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B,the gripper 400 includes a first segment 402 and a second segment 404.The first and second segments 402, 404 may be interlocked around aportion of the light guide 420, which may be made from acrylic. In someembodiments, a reflector 416 may be positioned between the gripper 400and the light guide 420 as illustrated in FIG. 4A. Alternatively or inaddition, the gripper 400 may be painted with a reflective color such aswhite. A PCB 406 including LEDs 412 may be positioned within the gripper400. In an example embodiment, an adhesive tape 408 may be used toattach the PCB 406 to the gripper 400. The LEDs 412 emit light into thelight guide 420 through a narrow side/edge 424 of the light guide 420that is positioned within the gripper 400 close to the LEDs 412, and aportion of the light that enters the light guide 420 may be emitted on abroad side of the light guide 420. The gripper 400 may also have anaperture 410 that extends, for example, for the entire length of thegripper 400. A fastener such as a screw may be inserted in at least aportion of the aperture 410 to securely attach the first segment 402 andthe second segment 404 to each other.

In an example embodiment, the first segment 402 may include one or morefingers 414 and may serve as a heat sink to dissipate heat from the LEDs412 and the PCB 406. As illustrated in FIG. 4B, in some exampleembodiments, a back frame 422, such as a metal frame, may be positionedon the gripper 400 and the light guide 420. The back frame 422 may alsohave a reflective surface facing the light guide 420. In an exampleembodiment, the gripper 400 and the light guide 420 correspond to thegripper 302 and the light guide 304, respectively, of FIG. 3A. In anexample embodiment, to assemble the gripper 400 and the light guide 420into an edge-lit light guide panel such as the edge-lit light guidepanel 300 of FIG. 3A, the PCB 406 may be first attached to the firstsegment 402 using the adhesive tape 408. The light guide 420 may then bepositioned on the second segment 404 as shown. The first segment 402 maybe vertically placed down onto the second segment 404 such that thefirst segment 402 interlocks with the second segment 404. A fastener maybe extended in the aperture 410 before or after end caps, such as theend cap 246 of FIG. 2B, are attached to the edge-lit light guide panel.

FIG. 4C illustrates a side view of a gripper 430 holding the light guide420 according to another example embodiment. The gripper 430 includes afirst segment 432 and a second segment 434. The first and secondsegments 432, 434 may be interlocked around a portion of a light guide420. In some embodiments, a reflector may be positioned between thegripper 430 and the light guide 420 in a similar manner as illustratedin FIG. 4A. Alternatively or in addition, the gripper 430 may be paintedwith a reflective color such as white. A PCB 436 including LEDs 438 maybe positioned within the gripper 430. In an example embodiment, anadhesive tape may be used to attach the PCB 436 to the gripper 430 in asimilar manner as illustrated in FIG. 4A. The LEDs 438 emit light intothe light guide 420 through a narrow side/edge 444 of the light guide420 that is close to the LEDs 438, and a portion of the light thatenters the light guide 420 may be emitted on a broad side of the lightguide 420. The gripper 430 also has an aperture 448 that extends, forexample, for the entire length of the gripper 430. A fastener 440 (e.g.,a screw) may be used to securely attach the first segment 432 and thesecond segment 434 to each other and to prevent the first segment 432and the second segment 434 from detaching from each other. For example,the fastener 440 may be inserted in a space 446 that is between twosubstantially vertical sections of the second segment 434 such that aportion of the fastener exerts a downward force on a section of thefirst segment 432 that is interlocked with one of the two sections ofthe second segment 434.

In an example embodiment, the first segment 432 may include one or morefingers 442 and may serve as a heat sink to dissipate heat from the LEDs438 and the PCB 436. In an example embodiment, the gripper 430 and thelight guide 420 may be used in the edge-lit lighting fixture 230 of FIG.2B. The gripper 430 and the light guide 420 may be assembled into anedge-lit light guide panel, such as the edge-lit light guide panel 300of FIG. 3A, in the same or similar manner described with respect to thegripper 400 and the light guide 420 of FIGS. 4A and 4B. The gripper 430may be attached to a longer or shorter side of the light guide 420.

FIG. 5 illustrates an edge-lit light guide panel 500 according toanother example embodiment. In some example embodiments, the edge-litlight guide panel 500 may be used with a suspended or surface mountedge-lit light fixture such as the edge-lit light fixture 100 of FIG. 1and the edge-lit light fixture 200 of FIG. 2A. For example, the edge-litlight guide panel 500 may be used as the first edge-lit light guidepanel 102 and the second edge-lit light guide panel 104 of the edge-litlighting fixture 100 of FIG. 1. As another example, the edge-lit lightguide panel 500 may be used as the first edge-lit light guide panel 202and the second edge-lit light guide panel 204 of the edge-lit lightingfixture 200 of FIG. 2A. The edge-lit light guide panel 500 includes agripper 502 and a light guide 504. The gripper 502 holds the light guide504 such that a narrow edge of the light guide 504 is positionedproximal to LEDs 506 that are positioned within the gripper 502. Thegripper 502 may be attached to a longer or shorter side of the lightguide 504. Light from the LEDs 506 may enter the light guide 504 throughthe narrow edge of the light guide 504 and may be emitted out on one orboth broad sides of the light guide 504. In an example embodiment, thelight guide 504 is made from acrylic, and the gripper 502 may be madefrom aluminum or another metal. In an example embodiment, the longestdimension of the light guide 504 along a narrow edge of the light guide504 may be 1 foot, 2 feet, or 4 feet. Alternatively, the light guide 504may have other dimensions with departing from the scope of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a close view of a gripper 600 according to an exampleembodiment. In some example embodiments, the gripper 600 corresponds tothe grippers 108, 110 of FIG. 1, grippers 208, 210 of FIG. 2A, and thegripper 502 of FIG. 5. The gripper 600 includes a first segment 602 anda second segment 604. The first and second segments 602, 604 may beinterlocked around a portion of a light guide 608. In some embodiments,a reflector 612 may be positioned between the gripper 600 and the lightguide 608 as illustrated in FIG. 4A. A PCB 606 including LEDs 618 ispositioned within the gripper 600. The gripper 600 also has an aperture610 that extends, for example, for the entire length of the gripper 600.One or more fasteners 616, such as a screw, may be inserted in at leasta portion of the aperture 610 to securely attach the first segment 602and the second segment 604 to each other. In an example embodiment, thefirst segment 602 may serve as a heat sink to dissipate heat from thePCB 606 and the LEDs 618. One or more wires 614 may extend between thePCB 606 and a driver that may be positioned in a center spine (e.g., thecenter spine 106 of FIG. 1 and the center spine 206 of FIG. 2A) or adriver that, for example, is in a ceiling. In an example embodiment, thelight guide 608 corresponds to the light guide 504, of FIG. 5,respectively.

FIG. 7A illustrates a center spine 700 according to an exampleembodiment. In an example embodiment, the center spine 700 maycorrespond to the center spine 206 of FIG. 2A. The center spine 700 hasan upper segment 701 that has a cavity 702. The cavity 702 may be usedto hold one or more drivers, such as LED drivers, that provide power tolight sources, such as LEDs, that are positioned in grippers (e.g., thegrippers 208, 210 of FIG. 2A) of an edge-lit light guide panel (e.g.,the edge-lit light guide panels 202, 204 of FIG. 2A) of an edge-litlight fixture, such as the edge-lit light fixture 200 of FIG. 2A. One ormore electrical wires may also be routed through the center spine 700 tolights sources of an edge-lit light fixture. The center spine 700 alsoincludes a protrusion 704 that has a first ledge 706 and a second ledge708.

In some example embodiments, the ledges 706, 708 may provide support torespective light guides in a manner illustrated, for example, in FIG.2A. Alternatively or in addition, the ledges 706, 708 may serve to hidethe separation between light guides of an edge-lit light fixture fromview from below the edge-lit light fixture. For example, a portion of alight guide of a first edge-lit light guide panel may rest on the firstledge 706, and a portion of a light guide of a second edge-lit lightguide panel may rest on the second ledge 708. Although the protrusion704 is shown as having an arrow shape, in alternative embodiments, theprotrusion 704 may have other decorative shapes. In some exampleembodiments, the protrusion 704 may glow and/or emit light. The centerspine 700 may be made from a metal or plastic. For example, the centerspine 700 may be made from aluminum using a method such as extrusion.

FIGS. 7B and 7C illustrate different views of a center spine 710according to another example embodiment. In an example embodiment, thecenter spine 710 may correspond to the center spine 236 of FIG. 2B. Thecenter spine 710 has an upper segment 720 that has a cavity 702. Thecavity 702 may be used to hold one or more drivers, such as LED drivers,in a similar manner described with respect to the center spine 700 ofFIG. 7A. The center spine 710 also includes a protrusion 714 that has afirst ledge 716 and a second ledge 718. In some example embodiments, theledges 716, 718 may provide support to respective light guides in amanner illustrated, for example, in FIG. 2B. Alternatively or inaddition, the ledges 716, 718 may serve to hide the separation betweenlight guides of an edge-lit light fixture from view from below theedge-lit light fixture. For example, a portion of a light guide of afirst edge-lit light guide panel may rest on the first ledge 716, and aportion of a light guide of a second edge-lit light guide panel may reston the second ledge 718.

In some example embodiments, the upper segment 720 and the protrusion714 may be separate components that are attached, for example, using oneor more fasteners (not shown). For example, one or more fasteners may beinserted in one or more holes 722 of the upper segment 720 to securelyattach the upper segment 720 and the protrusion 714 to each other.

In some example embodiments, the upper segment 720 and the protrusion714 may be made from metal and/or plastic. For example, the uppersegment 720 and the protrusion 714 may be made from aluminum using amethod such as extrusion. Although the protrusion 714 is shown as havingan arrow shape, in alternative embodiments, the protrusion 714 may haveother decorative shapes. In some example embodiments, the protrusion 714may glow and/or emit light.

FIG. 8 illustrates a center spine 800 according to another exampleembodiment. In an example embodiment, the center spine 800 may be usedwith the edge-lit light fixture 100 of FIG. 1 and the edge-lit lightfixture 230 of FIG. 2B. The center spine 800 includes a protrusion 804that has a first ledge 806 and a second ledge 808. Each of the ledges806, 808 may function in a similar manner as the ledges 706, 708 of FIG.7A or the ledges 716, 718 of FIGS. 7B and 7C. In some exampleembodiments, the center spine 800 may be used when a power such source,such as an LED driver, is located away from edge-lit light fixture thatincludes the center spine 800. Alternatively, a driver may be positionedon the fingers 802 of the center spine 800 as illustrated in FIG. 10 orbetween the fingers 802 that are on opposite sides of the center spine800.

FIG. 9 illustrates an edge-lit light fixture 900 including a centerspine according to an example embodiment. For example, the edge-litlight fixture 900 may be a recessed edge-lit light fixture. In anexample embodiment, the center spine 904 may correspond to the centerspine 700 of FIG. 7A. As illustrated in FIG. 9, a driver 902, such as anLED driver, may be positioned within the center spine 904.

FIG. 10 illustrates an edge-lit light fixture 1000 including a centerspine according to an example embodiment. For example, the edge-litlight fixture 1000 may be a recessed edge-lit light fixture. In anexample embodiment, the center spine 1004 may correspond to the centerspine 800 of FIG. 8. As illustrate in FIG. 10, a driver 1002, such as anLED driver, may be positioned on the center spine 1004 instead of withinthe center spine 1004.

FIG. 11A illustrates an end cap 1100 of an edge-lit light fixtureaccording to an example embodiment. In an example embodiment, the endcap 1100 corresponds to the end caps 114, 116 of FIG. 1, the end cap 216of FIG. 2A, and the end cap 246 of FIG. 2B. In some example embodiments,the end cap 1100 includes a first segment 1102 and a second segment1104. The first segment 1102 and the second segment 1104 may be attachedto each other by one or more fasteners (not shown) that extend throughone or more apertures 1106 of the first segment 1102 and correspondingone or more apertures 1108 of the second segment 1104. In some exampleembodiments, one or more cables may be attached to the fasteners tosuspend an edge-lit light fixture from a structure such as a ceiling.The second segment 1104 may include a protrusion 1110 that has the sameor similar cross-sectional shape as a protrusion (e.g., the protrusion212 of FIG. 2A) of a center spine, such as the center spine 206 of FIG.2A.

FIG. 11B illustrates an end cap 1120 of an edge-lit light fixtureaccording to another example embodiment. In an example embodiment, theend cap 1120 corresponds to the end caps 114, 116 of FIG. 1, the end cap216 of FIG. 2A, and the end cap 246 of FIG. 2B. In some exampleembodiments, the end cap 1120 includes a first segment 1122 and a secondsegment 1124. The first segment 1122 and the second segment 1124 may beattached to each other by one or more fasteners (not shown) that extendthrough one or more apertures 1126 of the first segment 1122 andcorresponding one or more apertures 1128 of the second segment 1124. Insome example embodiments, one or more cables may be attached to thefasteners to suspend an edge-lit light fixture from a structure such asa ceiling. The second segment 1124 may include a protrusion 1130 thathas as the same or similar cross-sectional shape as a protrusion (e.g.,the protrusion 212 of FIG. 2B) of a center spine, such as the centerspine 236 of FIG. 2B.

FIG. 12 illustrates a joiner end cap 1200 of an edge-lit light fixtureaccording to an example embodiment. In some example embodiments, thejoiner end cap 1200 may be used between adjacent light guides of anedge-lit light fixture that includes multiple light guides. For example,multiple light guides may be longitudinally joined as illustrated inFIG. 16. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the joiner end cap 1200 may includea wall 1202 and a ledge 1204. For example, a light guides, such as thelight guide 504 of FIG. 5 may be positioned on the ledge 1204 on oneside of the joiner end cap 1200. Another pair of light guides may abutagainst the joiner end cap 1200 on the opposite side of the joiner endcap 1200. In some example embodiments, one or more cables may beattached to the fasteners that may be inserted into one or more holes1205 to suspend an edge-lit light fixture from a structure such as aceiling. One or more openings 1208 may be used to purposes such asrouting wires. In some example embodiments, the joiner end cap 1200 mayinclude a protrusion 1206 that has as the same or similarcross-sectional shape as a protrusion (e.g., the protrusion 212 of FIG.2A) of a center spine, such as the center spine 206 of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 13 illustrates an edge-lit light fixture 1300 according to anotherexample embodiment. The edge-lit light fixture 1300 includes grippers1302, 1304, an end cap 1306, center spines 1308, 1310, and a joiner endcap 1312. The edge-lit light fixture 1300 also includes light guides1314 on one side of the joiner end cap 1312 and light guides 1318 onanother side of the joiner end cap 1312. In some example embodiments,the grippers 1302, 1304 correspond to the gripper 502 of FIG. 5.Similarly, the end cap 1306 corresponds to the end caps 114, 116 of FIG.1, the end cap 216 of FIG. 2A, the end cap 246 of FIG. 2B, the end cap100 of FIG. 11A, and the end cap 1120 of FIG. 11B. The center spines1308, 1310 may correspond to the center spine 700 of FIG. 7A, the centerspine 710 of FIG. 7B, and the center spine 800 of FIG. 8. The joiner endcap 1312 may correspond to the joiner end cap 1200 of FIG. 12. Asillustrated in FIG. 13, the edge-lit light fixture 1300 may be suspendedusing cables 1320 that are attached to the end cap 1306 and to thejoiner end cap 1312.

Although particular embodiments have been described herein in detail,the descriptions are by way of example. The features of the exampleembodiments described herein are representative and, in alternativeembodiments, certain features, elements, and/or steps may be added oromitted. Additionally, modifications to aspects of the exampleembodiments described herein may be made by those skilled in the artwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the following claims, thescope of which are to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass modifications and equivalent structures.

What is claimed is:
 1. An edge-lit light guide panel, comprising: agripper; one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned within thegripper; and a light guide having a narrow edge positioned within thegripper, wherein the narrow edge is positioned proximal to the one ormore LEDs and wherein the light guide is to receive light from the oneor more LEDs through the narrow edge and to emit a portion of the lightthrough at least one broad side of the light guide.
 2. The edge-litlight guide panel of claim 1, wherein one or more LEDs are disposed on aprinted circuit board (PCB) that is attached to the gripper.
 3. Theedge-lit light guide panel of claim 1, wherein the PCB is attached tothe gripper using an adhesive tape.
 4. The edge-lit light guide panel ofclaim 1, wherein the gripper comprises: a first segment having one ormore sections; and a second segment having one or more sections, whereinthe one or more sections of the first segment are interlocked with theone or more segments of the second segment.
 5. The edge-lit light guidepanel of claim 4, wherein the narrow edge of the light guide and the oneor more LEDs are positioned between the first segment of the gripper andthe second segment on the gripper.
 6. The edge-lit light guide panel ofclaim 4, further comprising a fastener that is inserted in a spacebetween substantially vertical sections of the second segment, whereinthe fastener is positioned to prevent the first segment and the secondsegment from detaching from each other.
 7. The edge-lit light guidepanel of claim 6, wherein a portion of the fastener exerts a downwardforce on a section of the first segment that is interlocked with the oneor more segments of the second segment.
 8. The edge-lit light guidepanel of claim 4, further comprising a fastener that is inserted in anaperture defined by a section of the first segment and a second of thesecond segment, wherein the fastener is positioned to prevent the firstsegment and the second segment from detaching from each other.
 9. Theedge-lit light guide panel of claim 4, wherein the first segmentincludes one or more fingers that extend upward away from the secondsegment and wherein the first segment is positioned to dissipate heatfrom the PCB and from the one or more LEDs through the one or morefingers.
 10. The edge-lit light guide panel of claim 4, furthercomprising a reflector that is positioned between a surface of thegripper and a portion of a broad surface of the light guide that ispositioned within the gripper.
 11. An edge-lit light fixture comprisingan edge-lit light guide panel, wherein the edge-lit light guide panelcomprises: a gripper; one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs)positioned within the gripper; and a light guide having a narrow edgepositioned within the gripper, wherein the narrow edge is positionedproximal to the one or more LEDs and wherein the light guide is toreceive light from the one or more LEDs through the narrow edge and toemit a portion of the light through at least one broad side of the lightguide.
 12. The edge-lit light fixture of claim 11, wherein one or moreLEDs are disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) that is attached tothe gripper.
 13. The edge -lit light fixture of claim 11, wherein thePCB is attached to the gripper using an adhesive tape.
 14. The edge-litlight fixture of claim 11, wherein the gripper comprises: a firstsegment having one or more sections; and a second segment having one ormore sections, wherein the one or more sections of the first segment areinterlocked with the one or more segments of the second segment.
 15. Theedge-lit light fixture of claim 14, wherein the narrow edge of the lightguide and the one or more LEDs are positioned between the first segmentof the gripper and the second segment on the gripper.
 16. The edge-litlight fixture of claim 14, wherein the edge-lit light guide panelfurther comprises a fastener that is inserted in a space betweensubstantially vertical sections of the second segment, wherein thefastener is positioned to prevent the first segment and the secondsegment from detaching from each other.
 17. The edge-lit light fixtureof claim 16, wherein a portion of the fastener exerts a downward forceon a section of the first segment that is interlocked with the one ormore segments of the second segment.
 18. The edge-lit light fixture ofclaim 14, wherein the edge-lit light guide panel further comprises afastener that is inserted in an aperture defined by a section of thefirst segment and a second of the second segment, wherein the fasteneris positioned to prevent the first segment and the second segment fromdetaching from each other.
 19. The edge-lit light fixture of claim 14,wherein the first segment includes one or more fingers that extendupward away from the second segment and wherein the first segment ispositioned to dissipate heat from the PCB and from the one or more LEDsthrough the one or more fingers.
 20. The edge-lit light fixture of claim14, wherein the edge-lit light guide panel further comprises a reflectorthat is positioned between a surface of the gripper and a portion of abroad surface of the light guide that is positioned within the gripper.